FluffyFrank
> Highest weight: 336
> Current weight: 307
> Sleep Apnea since 1999
> Diabetic since 2006
> Joint pain
My story began back in 2008 when I first heard about the Lap Band surgery as an alternative to the gastric bypass, which I thought was too invasive. I inquiried with OHIP and found out they didn't pay. I called a few hospitals in the US for the price of the surgery and quickly decided I was not going to self-pay ($$$). I gave up on this for a little while. Then in early 2009 OHIP announced additional funding for bariatric surgeries in Ontario. I started my research again and decided if OHIP paid for a gastric by-pass, then a gastric by-pass it was going to be. I wanted to live as long as I could because life was GOOD.
April 2009 - GP sent my referral to Ottawa Hospital - nothing. Maybe I wasn't ready, because I didn't push or make any calls = just waited.
May 2010 - GP sent another referral to Ottawa Hospital. After a few phone calls I was told I'd get an appointment around September. Called back late August and was told me it will take another 9 months for my first appointment.
August 2010 - Called the OHIP office and asked for list of other hospitals with shorter waiting times.
August 30, 2010 - Saw my GP again for referral to St. Joes
Sept 1, 2010 - GP faxed referral to St. Joes in Hamilton
Sept 3, 2010 - Received a call from St. Joes - first cluster of appointments is now scheduled for November 22/2010. I'm having the orientation session first, then meeting the Social Worker, then the nurse & dietician.
Sept 14, 2010 - GP rec'd requisition from St. Joes for blood work, ECG, abdominal ultrasound
Sept 15, 2010 - Blood works & ECG
Oct 29th 2010 - abdominal ultrasound
November 22, 2010 - Orientation, SW, Nurse & Dietician
Jan 5th, 2011 - Internist
Jan 6th, 2011 - Surgeon & Education class
